The bypass is part of an ambitious programme of major projects being progressed by Herefordshire Council to improve transport, support businesses, strengthen communities and create better places across the county. Phase One of the Hereford Bypass represents a significant investment in the future of Herefordshire’s transport network.

Phase One of the bypass will provide a new 3.6km link between the A49 and A465, creating a more direct route to the Rotherwas Industrial Estate and Hereford Enterprise Zone (HEZ). It will help improve connections, reduce pressure on existing routes and support future development.

The Full Business Case explains how the scheme will help address current transport challenges while supporting wider plans for economic growth across the county.

The benefits identified include:

• Reducing congestion and improving reliability – providing an alternative route between the A49 and A465, helping reduce pressure on existing roads and making journeys more reliable.
• Supporting economic growth – improving access to the Rotherwas Industrial Estate and Hereford Enterprise Zone, helping existing businesses and supporting opportunities for future investment.
• Creating better places to live – reducing traffic on residential routes including Belmont Road, Walnut Tree Avenue and Holme Lacy Road, helping create safer and more attractive areas for communities and active travel.
• Saving journey time – modelling shows that journeys between the A465 and the Hereford Enterprise Zone could be reduced by around six and a half minutes compared with the current route by the design year.

Phase One is the first stage of the wider Hereford Western Bypass. It will provide benefits in its own right while helping create the foundations for a longer-term improvement to the city’s transport network.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure Councillor Philip Price said:

“Publishing the Full Business Case is an important milestone in progressing the Hereford Bypass. One of the reasons we have produced a detailed business case is to demonstrate that the scheme represents good value for money, and we are pleased to be able to do this today.

“The business case sets out the benefits the scheme will bring, including improving connectivity, supporting businesses, unlocking growth and creating better places for people across Herefordshire.

“Phase One will help improve the resilience of the transport network, strengthen links to key employment locations and support future opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Delivering a scheme of this importance will require the support and involvement of the whole community. By working together, we can help create a transport network that supports Herefordshire’s future, improves connectivity and unlocks new opportunities for generations to come.

“It represents an important first step towards a more connected and resilient transport network for Herefordshire."

The Full Business Case and supporting documents are available to view on the Council’s website.

 Find out more about the Hereford Bypass here.